Television viewers are in for a treat this evening as a beloved art competition makes its grand return, offering a slice of serene creativity amidst the drama of other prime-time hits. The spotlight shines on the picturesque Lake District as Sky Arts launches the latest series of its popular show.
Artistic Battle Commences in the Lakes
Landscape Artist of the Year 2026 kicks off at 8pm, with the charismatic Stephen Mangan back in his familiar and warm hosting role. The competition begins its journey at the stunning Derwentwater, often celebrated as the 'queen of the Lakes'. This location is famously home to the world's largest colouring pencil, housed at the Derwent Pencil Museum in nearby Keswick.
As the artists set up their easels, some are seen pleading for the perfect sunlight to dance upon the water's surface, hoping to capture the lake's magic. The episode will see the first painter selected for the semi-finals, alongside a wildcard entrant, leaving audiences to ponder if they will agree with the critical decisions of the judges.
A Night of Diverse Viewing Options
Tonight's schedule offers a rich variety of programming beyond the canvas. At 7pm on Channel 5, How to Keep Your Brain Young sees Dr Amir Khan working with three volunteers concerned about their cognitive health. The programme tests new research through two-week challenges and consults experts on topics like early-onset dementia, addiction, and depression.
Over on BBC One at 8pm, the scheming continues in the reality TV phenomenon The Traitors. As the show enters its third week, the breakfast table autopsies and clandestine betrayals persist. With a remixed ruleset now in play, both viewers and the remaining Traitors are left wondering what fresh twists the producers have in store following an incident-packed first half of the series.
Historical Discovery and Legal Drama
For history enthusiasts, Digging for Britain on BBC Two at 9pm promises a remarkable find. Presenter Professor Alice Roberts heralds a 'once-in-a-lifetime' discovery on a site near Thetford in Norfolk—land once inhabited by the legendary Queen Boudicca. The team's excitement is palpable as an extraordinary Iron Age battle trumpet is unearthed from the mud.
Meanwhile, at 9pm on Sky Witness, the legal drama Matlock continues its second season. The power struggle between the wily veteran, played by Kathy Bates, and the ambitious Skye P. Marshall intensifies. This week's episode poses the question: can one successfully blackmail the other by threatening to leak damaging information to the New York Times?
Rounding off the evening at 9.30pm on BBC One is the new sitcom Can You Keep a Secret? from the creators of Ghosts and This Country. Dawn French stars as the eccentric widow Debbie, who has just revealed to her anxious son, Harry (Craig Roberts), that her husband (Mark Heap) faked his own death. The comedic tension revolves around whether she can stop Harry from telling his police officer wife the unbelievable truth.
